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  • New iPhone 16e to test Apple’s own C1 Modem

    New iPhone 16e to test Apple’s own C1 Modem

    Apple is working on something exciting for its next iPhone, called the iPhone 16e. This phone might come with a brand-new modem made by Apple itself, named the C1. A modem is the part of a phone that helps it connect to the internet and make calls. Right now, Apple uses modems from another company called Qualcomm, but they want to switch to their own design soon.

    The iPhone 16e is expected to launch in early 2026. It could be a special version of the iPhone 16 lineup, designed to test this new C1 modem. Experts say Apple has been planning this change for a while. They even bought a part of Intel’s modem business back in 2019 to help them build their own tech. The C1 modem is said to be created using a 3-nanometer process, which means it’s super tiny but very powerful. This could make the phone faster and save battery life.

    Why is Apple doing this? They want more control over how their phones work and don’t want to rely on other companies. The C1 modem might also mix in some cool features, like better satellite connections, so you could send messages or call people even without regular cell service. Testing it in the iPhone 16e will help Apple see if it works well before putting it in all their phones.

    This isn’t the first time Apple has made its parts. They already design their own chips, like the A-series for iPhones and M-series for Macs, and those have worked out great. If the C1 modem does well, it could show up in more iPhones by 2027. For now, though, the iPhone 16e is like a sneak peek into Apple’s plans. Fans are excited to see if this new modem will make their phones even better!

  • Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    Apple’s iPhone ID feature expands to more U.S. states, but it’s taking time

    In some U.S. states, people can now store their driver’s license or state ID in the Wallet app on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This handy, no-touch option lets them show who they are or how old they are at certain airports, stores, or apps without pulling out a physical card. Sadly, this cool tool is spreading slowly. Apple first shared the idea back in September 2021, and over three years later, only nine states plus Puerto Rico have it ready.

    States Where It Works

    Here’s where you can use it now:

    • Arizona (started March 2022)
    • Maryland (started May 2022)
    • Colorado (started November 2022)
    • Georgia (started May 2023)
    • Ohio (started July 2024)
    • Hawaii (started August 2024)
    • California (started September 2024)
    • Iowa (started October 2024)
    • New Mexico (started December 2024)
    • Puerto Rico has it too!

    States Coming Soon

    Apple says these places plan to add it later:

    • Montana
    • West Virginia
    • Connecticut
    • Kentucky
    • Mississippi
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Illinois

    Also, Japan will join in with its My Number Card when iOS 18.4 comes out in early April.

    Airports That Accept It

    You can use the Wallet ID at security checks in these airports:

    • Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
    • Reagan National (DCA)
    • Phoenix (PHX)
    • Denver (DEN)
    • Atlanta (ATL)
    • Cincinnati (CVG)
    • Columbus (CMH)
    • San Francisco (SFO)
    • San Jose (SJC)
    • Los Angeles (LAX)
    • Honolulu (HNL)
    • Des Moines (DSM)
    • Cedar Rapids (CID)
    • Albuquerque (ABQ)
    • Hobbs (HOB)
    • San Juan (SJU)

    Apple suggests checking TSA signs at the airport to be sure it’s accepted. The TSA website has more info too. The Wallet ID also works to prove your age or identity at some U.S. shops or spots, but Apple doesn’t list which ones yet. Even though it’s growing, the wait for more states and places to catch on feels long!

  • Apple fixes password app flaw that risked user safety

    Apple fixes password app flaw that risked user safety

    Apple recently patched a problem in its Passwords app with the iOS 18.2 update in December. This flaw had put users at risk of phishing attacks for three months, ever since iOS 18 came out.

    What Went Wrong with the Passwords App

    A report from 9to5Mac highlighted an Apple security note revealing that the Passwords app was sending unprotected requests for website logos and icons tied to saved passwords. Normally, encryption keeps this data safe, but without it, anyone on the same Wi-Fi network could trick users into visiting a fake site designed to steal their login info. Security experts from Mysk first noticed this issue and told Apple about it in September.

    How Apple Described the Fix

    In the iOS 18.2 security notes, Apple explained the problem simply:

    • Effect: Someone with network access might steal private details.
    • Solution: The app now uses HTTPS to send data securely.

    Apple also confirmed they fixed this across other devices like Macs, iPads, and Vision Pros, not just iPhones.

    Why It Matters

    This glitch left users exposed for months, but Apple’s update finally closed the gap. It’s a reminder that even big companies can miss things—though they acted once the issue was clear. If you’re on iOS 18, grabbing the latest update keeps your info safer from sneaky attacks like these.

  • Apple updates MagSafe charger software and ends support for iOS 18.3.1

    Apple updates MagSafe charger software and ends support for iOS 18.3.1

    Apple recently rolled out a software update for its 25W MagSafe Charger, which works with iPhone 12 and newer models, as well as the latest AirPods. The new software version is 2A146, an upgrade from the earlier 2A143 released this year. In the Settings app, this update shows as version 136, up from 133.

    The 2024 MagSafe Charger debuted with the iPhone 16 lineup and can power those devices at a speedy 25W. For older models, like the iPhone 12 through iPhone 15, it charges at a slower 15W.
    Apple pushes these updates wirelessly and doesn’t share detailed notes about them. So, we’re not sure what improvements or fixes this version brings. To update your MagSafe Charger, plug it in and connect it to an Apple device—there’s no manual way to start the process. Want to check your charger’s software version? Follow the steps in our MagSafe Charger guide.

    In other news, Apple has stopped supporting iOS 18.3.1 as of today. This means iPhone users who’ve moved to iOS 18.3.2 can’t switch back to the older version. Apple launched iOS 18.3.2 on March 10. This move isn’t surprising—Apple often phases out older iOS versions after a new one arrives. Unsigned software can’t be installed because of a server check, blocking users from loading outdated iOS on their iPhones. Right now, iPhones that run iOS 18 can only use iOS 18.3.2.

    By doing this, Apple makes sure devices stay up to date with the latest security upgrades. The iOS 18.3.2 update included key fixes, including one for a flaw that might have been actively targeted by attackers. Keeping your iPhone on the newest software helps protect it from potential risks.

  • Apple’s Foldable iPhone sounds real, Plus iPhone 18 Pro rumors bring exciting updates

    Apple’s Foldable iPhone sounds real, Plus iPhone 18 Pro rumors bring exciting updates

    Talk about a foldable iPhone has been around forever, but now it’s starting to feel like it might actually happen soon. Reliable sources like analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, along with a Weibo user called Digital Chat Station, say Apple’s first foldable iPhone will have a big 7.8-inch screen when opened and a smaller 5.5-inch screen on the outside. Since these sizes keep popping up in leaks, it seems Apple has locked in some details. Kuo says it’ll open like a book, not flip like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip.

    Jeff Pu also mentioned that Foxconn, the company making it, has started early work on the foldable iPhone. Both he and Kuo think it’ll hit full production by late 2026, so we might see it in small numbers next year—though 2027 feels more realistic. Funny enough, it still feels two years away!

    Analyst Tim Long from Barclays predicts it’ll cost about $2,299 in the U.S., almost double the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s $1,199 price. Kuo adds it’ll have two back cameras, one front camera, a Touch ID button instead of Face ID, and a strong battery. It’ll be super thin—4.5mm open, 9-9.5mm folded—with a titanium body and a hinge mixing titanium and steel.

    Now, let’s peek at the iPhone 18 Pro, still over a year away. Here’s what’s buzzing so far:

    Hidden Face ID

    Analyst Ross Young says Face ID might hide under the screen in 2026, meaning the iPhone 18 Pro could get it. The Dynamic Island might shrink or turn into a tiny camera hole, like on Android phones. It’s too soon to say for sure.

    Adjustable Camera

    Ming-Chi Kuo claims the iPhone 18 Pro’s 48-megapixel main camera will let you tweak how much light it takes in. Unlike older models stuck at a wide-open setting, this could help you blur backgrounds better—though iPhones’ small sensors might limit the wow factor.

    Better Samsung Sensor

    Rumor has it Samsung’s new stacked sensor will boost the iPhone 18 Pro’s camera with clearer, more vibrant photos. This could shake things up since Sony’s been Apple’s go-to sensor maker forever. Exciting times ahead!

  • Apple pushes to bring AirPods hearing help to Canada

    Apple pushes to bring AirPods hearing help to Canada

    Even though Health Canada gave the green light for AirPods hearing aid and hearing test tools at the national level in December, Canadians can’t use them yet. Stories from CTV News and the Toronto Star this month explain that each province has its own rules holding things up.

    Take Ontario, Canada’s biggest province, for example. There, you need a doctor or hearing specialist to sign off on hearing aids. That’s one reason the features haven’t arrived. The bright side? Apple shared with the Toronto Star that it’s teaming up with Canadian provinces to get the okay to offer these AirPods tools without a prescription. The company wants to roll them out fast but hasn’t said exactly when they’ll land.

    With the hearing aid tool, AirPods Pro 2 can boost nearby sounds. Apple says it’s built for grown-ups who notice mild to moderate trouble hearing—no extra charge to turn it on. Then there’s the quick five-minute hearing test. It checks how well adults hear different sound pitches. Once it’s done, you get a simple breakdown of any hearing loss and tips on what to do next.

    These two options first popped up in the U.S. and a few other places in late October. They’re still spreading to more spots around the world. Canada does have one AirPods hearing feature already: hearing protection. It’s ready to go for users there. All three tools—hearing aid, test, and protection—work only with AirPods Pro 2. Apple’s clearly working hard to get the full set to Canada soon. For now, folks are waiting to see when the provinces give the thumbs-up.

  • Apple faces new App Store rules after losing appeal in Germany

    Apple faces new App Store rules after losing appeal in Germany

    Apple has hit a roadblock in Germany after losing its latest appeal in an ongoing antitrust battle. A new law has put the tech giant under tougher scrutiny, and now it must follow fresh rules for its App Store. Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, known as the Bundeskartellamt, has been pushing to gain the power to tell Apple how to manage its App Store. A court recently agreed, giving the regulators the green light to step in.

    How U.S. and European Laws Differ

    The way antitrust issues are handled varies between the U.S. and Europe. In both places, regulators must first show that a company is blocking fair competition. But in the U.S., they also have to prove that this behavior has directly hurt consumers—like showing people are paying more because of it.

    In Europe, it’s simpler. Regulators just need to prove that a company’s actions could harm consumers down the line. This lets them act early to stop problems before they grow. The Bundeskartellamt said Apple’s App Store setup could potentially hurt users, giving them the right to demand changes. Apple fought back, saying it doesn’t control the app market enough to be targeted by this law.

    Appeal Fails for Apple

    According to Reuters, Apple’s appeal was rejected on Tuesday. The Federal Court of Justice in Germany upheld the cartel office’s 2023 ruling, which labeled Apple as a major player that affects competition across markets. The decision ends years of back-and-forth about Apple’s power in the app world.

    Now, Germany can enforce new rules on how Apple sells iPhone apps. This loss is a big moment for the company, as it faces growing pressure to loosen its grip on the App Store. With this ruling, regulators aim to keep the app market fair and open, ensuring Apple’s policies don’t limit choices or hurt users in the long run.

  • Apple boosts iPhone Tap to Pay with big global rollout

    Apple boosts iPhone Tap to Pay with big global rollout

    Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone is a super handy way for small businesses to take contactless payments from mobile wallets or cards. Now, it’s popping up in nine more countries, making life easier for shop owners. This feature lets stores take payments right on their iPhones—no extra gadgets needed. No separate card machine or device, just the phone you already have!

    Tap to Pay on iPhone Explained

    Apple first shared this idea in 2022, starting slowly in the US. It’s like the fourth big step for small business payment tools:

    • Old-school wired card machines that you had to rent.
    • Wireless ones are still rented though.
    • Standalone gadgets that link to your iPhone via Bluetooth, with a one-time price.
    • Now, Tap to Pay on your iPhone—no extra stuff is required!

    Here’s how it works: a customer taps their card, iPhone, or Apple Watch on the shop’s iPhone. Simple! But it’s only for contactless payments, which have limits that might not work for every business. Apple’s been spreading this feature to more places bit by bit since it started.

    Nine New Countries Get It Today

    This is one of the biggest updates yet! As of today, these nine spots can use Tap to Pay on iPhone:

    • Bulgaria: Works with Adyen, myPOS, Revolut, and Viva; SumUp soon.
    • Finland: Adyen, Mollie, Nets, Revolut, Stripe, SumUp, Viva; Surfboard Payments soon.
    • Hungary: Adyen, Global Payments, myPOS, Revolut, SumUp, Viva, Worldline.
    • Liechtenstein: Adyen.
    • Poland: Adyen, eService with PKO Bank, Mollie, Stripe, SumUp, Viva, Worldline; more soon.
    • Portugal: Adyen, Mollie, myPOS, Revolut, Stripe, SumUp, Viva.
    • Slovakia: Adyen, Global Payments Slovenská Sporitel’ňa, Revolut, Worldline; SumUp soon.
    • Slovenia: Adyen, Revolut, Worldline; SumUp, hobex soon.
    • Switzerland: Adyen, Mollie, myPOS, Nexi, Stripe, SumUp, Worldline; hobex soon.

    In the US, Intuit just added a cool trick last week: linking Tap to Pay with QuickBooks. This lets payments flow straight into the accounting app, no hassle.

  • Apple makes storage info clear again in macOS 15.4 and fixes iCloud Mail trouble with iOS 18.3.2

    Apple makes storage info clear again in macOS 15.4 and fixes iCloud Mail trouble with iOS 18.3.2

    Apple recently updated macOS 15.4, and in its second beta version released this month, they hid how much space Apple Intelligence uses on a Mac. This change happened in the System Settings, making it tough for users to see the details.

    After some people thought Apple was trying to keep the storage size of Apple Intelligence a secret, the company quickly fixed it. With the fourth beta of macOS 15.4 out now, Apple brought back an easy way to check this info. You can find it by going to System Settings > General > Storage, then clicking the info button next to the macOS entry. A little window pops up showing the macOS version and how much space Apple Intelligence takes. This is the same setup as in the current macOS Sequoia 15.3.2.

    Some think the missing storage info in the earlier beta was just a mistake. Users who turned off System Integrity Protection (SIP)—a security feature that stops unsafe code from running—could still see the details. SIP is usually on for most people and can only be switched off in Recovery Mode, something developers do more often. Since Apple brought the info back for everyone, it might’ve been an accident, but we’re not sure.

    Apple says Apple Intelligence can use up to 7GB of space on a Mac, though some users notice it takes even more in macOS Sequoia 15.4. It needs this space to store special files that let it work on your device without always needing the internet. If you don’t want it using space, you can turn off Apple Intelligence.

    Meanwhile, the iOS 18.3.2 update from last week has caused problems for some iCloud Mail users. People on Reddit and forums like MacRumors say new emails aren’t showing up on their iPhones automatically after the update. Even with the right settings, they have to refresh the Mail app manually to see new messages. One Reddit user shared, “Since updating to iOS 18.3.2, my iCloud emails don’t come through on their own. I have to refresh, even though it worked fine before on 18.3.1.”

    Normally, iCloud Mail uses Push to send emails to your phone instantly. If that’s not working, it should switch to Fetch, checking for new mail every so often. But for some, neither option is doing the job. Other email services like Microsoft seem fine, so this glitch is just with iCloud Mail. Apple likely knows about it, and a fix should come soon.

  • Apple launches Safari test version 215 with fixes and speed boosts

    Apple launches Safari test version 215 with fixes and speed boosts

    Apple has just rolled out a fresh update for Safari Technology Preview, a special browser they first shared in March 2016. This version is like a playground for Apple to try out new ideas they might add to the regular Safari browser later on.

    What’s New in Safari Test Version 215

    The latest Safari Technology Preview 215 brings tweaks and upgrades to things like styling (CSS), pictures, coding (JavaScript), internet connections, scrolling, text handling, web tools (Web API), and add-ons (Web Extensions). It’s all about making things work better and smoother.

    This update works on devices running macOS Sonoma or the brand-new macOS Sequoia, Apple’s latest operating system. You can grab this Safari Technology Preview update through the Software Update option in System Preferences or System Settings, as long as you’ve already downloaded the browser from Apple’s site. If you want the full scoop on what’s changed, check out the release notes on the Safari Technology Preview webpage.

    Why Apple Made This Browser

    Apple created Safari Technology Preview to hear what developers and everyday users think about its progress. It’s a way to test and improve the browser before changes hit the main Safari everyone uses. The cool part? You can run it alongside the regular Safari browser.

    Plus, while it’s built with developers in mind, anyone can download it—no special account is needed. This update keeps Apple’s experimental browser moving forward, giving people a sneak peek at what’s coming while ironing out the kinks. If you’re curious about the future of Safari or just love trying new tech, this might be worth a look!

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